ICYMI: Davids Urges Recommitment to Bipartisanship in 2024

To close out 2023, Representative Sharice Davids penned a guest column in the Kansas City Star highlighting the need to recommit to bipartisan cooperation in 2024. The call came as extremism and partisanship led to one of the least productive years for Congress in modern history. Davids also shared facts from her 2023 End of Year report on how her office strived to make government work for all Kansans in 2023.

Read Davids’ full column in the Kansas City Star:

“As we prepare to ring in the new year, I find myself reflecting on the achievements and challenges we experienced throughout 2023. From record numbers of small business applications to yet another historic KC Super Bowl win, the past year had its highs, but also its lows — and this certainly holds true for Congress.

While I helped pass major bipartisan laws in past years that are reinvigorating American manufacturing and building the infrastructure of the future, this year was different. Some are saying it was Congress’ “most unproductive [year] in modern history,” largely due to the divisive and partisan atmosphere prevailing in Washington.

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The only way to truly make a difference in the lives of hardworking Kansans is by putting partisanship aside and working together, Republicans and Democrats alike, in a bipartisan manner.

The tangible benefits of working together in Congress are translating into positive outcomes for folks right now. The bipartisan infrastructure law has enabled Kansas to kickstart construction on 258 vital projects across our state. Kansans on Medicare are saving $620 a year on their insulin, Kansas City was named a Regional Tech Hub to boost domestic manufacturing, 20,000 clean energy jobs were created in the Third District (the most in the country), and five million veterans have been screened for toxic exposures nationally.

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While good things are happening, it's no secret that the U.S. House of Representatives and broader political landscape have been marred by extremism and polarization. Our political differences are not insurmountable barriers but instead opportunities for constructive dialogue and collaboration.

Here in the Kansas City region, we've demonstrated that kind of collaboration is possible. Representative Mark Alford (R-MO-04) and I worked together to pass our SERV Act, which would help veteran small business owners succeed in our economy. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) and I listened to our constituents and came together, urging action to address poor mail service in Kansas.

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As we look ahead to 2024, I am filled with optimism for the State of Kansas. You may not see it on the nightly news, but we agree on so much more than often realized. That includes lowering the cost of gas and groceries, creating good-paying job opportunities here at home, supporting Kansas veterans, and ensuring the federal government actually works for everyday folks.

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We can choose the path of finding common ground and making a difference in people’s lives — or the path of extremism, division, and empty promises. In 2024, I urge my colleagues to join me in making our New Year's resolution a renewed commitment to bipartisan cooperation.”